Mobile Carnival Museum History

1703- Mardi Gras observed for the first time in the New World by French pioneers at Twenty-Seven Mile Bluff, the first settlement of Mobile.

1711- Carnival is born in present site as residents join in song, food and dance. Papiér-maché bull, in honor of Boeuf Gras (another name for Mardi Gras), is pulled down Dauphin Street in what is believed to have been the first carnival “parade” in North America .

1830- Michael Kraft wakes up the mayor on New Year’s Eve with rakes and hoes and cowbells, forming the Cowbellian de Rakin Society: the first masked parading society in America.

1862/1865- Carnival is cancelled during the War of Northern Agression.

1866- Joe Cain revives Mardi Gras after the War by costuming as undefeated Chief of the Chickasaw Indians, “Old Slacabamorinico”, and leading the Lost Cause Minstrels in a procession through the City in defiance of occupying Union troops.

1867- Oldest continuous parading society founded: Order of Myths.

1868- First Order of Myths Parade on Mardi Gras night.

1868- Infant Mystics become second society to parade on Mardi Gras night and later moved to Lundi Gras (Fat Monday).

1872- First Royal Court is reigned over by Daniel E. Huger, first king of Carnival, styled as Emperor Felix I. The Mobile Carnival Association is organized.

1874- Knights of Revelry established, parading on Mardi Gras Day.

1875- Alabama legislature declares Shrove Tuesday a holiday in Mobile. The public is encouraged to close down business and to mask.

1884- Comic Cowboys of Wragg Swamp are established, along with their mission of satire and free expression.

1889- First Empress of Mardi Gras reigns as queen and is chosen as consort for Felix.